Concern over a potentially ‘unacceptable risk of contamination’ has been raised in response to a fire training facility scheme at an Isle of Wight farm.
The Environment Agency (EA) warned of possible water pollution in a submission on maritime training company Flying Fish UK’s proposed change of use of land at Cockleton Farm on the outskirts of Cowes and Gurnard.
Its letter to County Hall comes after dozens of objections against the plans, including from members of the public and Gurnard Parish Council.
Flying Fish’s agent, Andrew White Planning Consultancy, said the proposal will cause no harm to neighbouring amenity, highway safety or drainage conditions in a revised Planning Statement.
The EA told planners the scheme would be acceptable if a condition is included about land contamination.
It explained:
“The current or previous use(s) of the development site suggests the land may be affected by contamination. Land contamination can harm human health, soils, ecosystems, property, drinking waters supplies, groundwater and surface water.
“The current or previous use(s) of the site may present an unacceptable risk of contamination that could be mobilised during site works and construction, potentially leading to pollution of controlled waters.
Article continues below this advertisement “The proposed development will be acceptable, if a planning condition is included requiring the submission and validation of a detailed land contamination management strategy for unsuspected contamination during the enabling, construction and/or development works.”
Without this condition, the EA would object to the application in line with the National Planning Policy Framework, the document said.
Andrew White Planning Consultancy said:
“We believe there is a business need for the identified expansion and associated changes/developments and through our diligent approach to site surveys, design and outlined mitigation measures we have struck a good balance whereby the site can evolve as planned but without causing adverse impacts to the environment, the surrounding area or neighbours.”
County Hall’s public consultation on proposal 26/00191/FUL lasts until 29th April and a decision is expected thereafter.
